I have read several articles where they talk about Bonham's influences. In one of these articles Robert Plant talks about how Bonham was amazed with and very much influenced by Buddy Rich, he felt that the drummer for Jethro Tull whos name escapes me right now, was the best rock drummer that England ever produced. And later on he used to go see Billy Cobham play and was a big fan of his playing. Growing up he really loved the big band drummers. And was also influenced by Ginger Baker to some extent.

It might be Barriemore Barlow. The drummer you may be thinking of, pcmckay.